Met Gala 2024 recap: Demi Moore, Sydney Sweeney and more prove 'timeless' in floral theme

The celebs of the 2024 Met Gala walked the red, or rather, green and white carpet.

Met Gala sweetheart and co-chair Zendaya departed from the preppy tennis looks she wore promoting "Challengers" and embraced her Virgo Earth sign in a show-stopping Maison Margiela gown.

LaLa Anthony in Alexander McQueen joked "I can't breathe," in her dress. Emma Chamberlain arrived in a brown form-fitting Jean Paul Gaultier dress with dark makeup. While the theme of "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" suggests bright florals, the dress code welcomed much darker inspiration.

We loved seeing Linda Evangelista walk the carpet again, how Tyla was picked up and carried the last few stairs of the Met Gala steps (relatable!), and marveled that Zendaya could be on our best-dressed list twice for her amazing outfit change. We got to the bottom of Kim Kardashian's sweater and took note of all of the sports stars in attendance, including one of our new favorite WNBA players.

Here are some of the biggest moments and best fashion looks from the 2024 Met Gala.

Met Gala 2024 highlights: Zendaya, Gigi Hadid bloom in garden theme, plus what you didn't see

Did Sydney Sweeney dye her hair for the Met Gala?

The "Euphoria" and "Anyone But You" star showed up at the Met Gala with an entirely new look: a dark shaggy bob. But the blonde's stylist shares all.

Celebrity hair stylist, Glen Oropeza didn't touch Sydney Sweeney's famous hair, except to style it for underneath a wig. He then styled the real-hair wig, as if it were her own, using Kérastase products.

Is the backside the new body part to show off?

This year was more about the butt than the boobs for the Met Gala.

Kim Kardashian, to no surprise, showed off hers. Jennifer Lopez's custom gown also showed off her backside. And Kendall Jenner's Alexander McQueen gown also teased her butt. Perhaps Doja Cat showed the most.

The Coachella headliner opted for a drenched look on the steps of New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art for fashion's biggest night. The Grammy-winning rapper was draped in a wet white crewneck floor-length T-shirt dress with wrist-length sleeves, which clung to her skin.

See her daring look: Doja Cat looks like she was caught in the rain at the 2024 Met Gala

Nicki Minaj is a work of art at 2024 Met Gala

Nicki Minaj showed up to the 2024 Met Gala looking like an art piece in a custom yellow Marni gown that featured a paint-like texture and carefully placed flowers.

Cardi B in yards of fabric for 2024 Met Gala look

Cardi B never disappoints.

The "Up" rapper took over the floor in a Giambattista Valli Paris gown that took nearly 10 men to assist on the carpet. It was worth it.

Met Gala 2024 best dressed See Bad Bunny, Zendaya, JLo, more stars blossom in Garden of Time

Demi Moore's Met Gala look proves wallpaper IS back

Demi Moore, 61, turned heads on the red carpet of the Met Gala, wearing an elaborate heart-shaped dress from Harris Reed. The "Ghost" actress paired the stunning gown with a Cartier neckless.

According to an Instagram story from fashion stylist Brad Goreski, the custom piece was made using "a 60 year old panel of silk wallpaper with over 11,000 hours of embroidery and hand painted chiffon petals."

The Kardashian and Jenner families kept it low-key for the Met

Kim Kardashian rarely misses a red carpet, and she and her family have become staples at the Met Gala − but this year lacked Kourtney Kardashian Barker and Khloe Kardashian.

Kendall Jenner opted for a vintage Alexander McQueen gown that had only been shown on a mannequin before she wore it. Kylie Jenner's pale pink gown felt almost understated, even with its cone bust (which reminded us of Madonna's Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra circa 1990).

What was Kim Kardashian wearing over her dress?

While Kim Kardashian's look in a sheer Margiela by John Galliano dress was in some ways just an excuse to show off her tiny waist, many questioned what she was wearing on top.

Was it a shrug brought back from the early 2000s? A new boyfriend's sweater? Whatever it was, the internet was divided on whether the cozy cashmere accessory was brilliant (and cozy, yes, we are saying that again!) or was a mess added over a gorgeous couture creation.

Whatever. Her dress, topped with a corset, showed off an impossibly tiny waist. And the fabric was gorgeous. Maybe the sweater was an emotional support sweater?

She explained the look in a video with Vogue, saying the look was meant to represent "the wildest night of my life in a garden." A night when she ran to grab her "boyfriend's sweater and threw it on and had to get to work, and my hair's all messed up."

The dress didn't cause the stir that her 2022 look did. That's the year she wore a historic dress made famous by Marilyn Monroe. Maybe she can just shrug this one off?

Pamela Anderson takes a break from going makeup-free for Met Gala

Pamela Anderson was seen at Paris Fashion Week last year with a fresh face, free of makeup. Anderson chose to ditch makeup for herself but said it wasn't to make a "political" statement.

"I would come back from the shows wearing all these clothes and a big funny hat and everything and there were all these paparazzi, and then I went in one door and changed into my jeans and T-shirt and no makeup and walked out the door right through the same crowd that had been chasing me and no one noticed," she told Allure at the time.

But at the Met Gala, the actress had her makeup done by celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath.

'90s supermodel Linda Evangelista stuns at Met Gala

Linda Evangelista used to be a mainstay on the Met Gala carpet. But she took a step back from public life, after sharing with People magazine in 2022 that a cosmetic procedure left her "brutally disfigured."

The supermodel said she no longer wants to live in hiding following her claims that a Zeltiq CoolSculpting procedure, an FDA-approved fat reduction process that uses cold temperatures to break fat cells, left her body disfigured and sent her into a "cycle of deep depression."

"I loved being up on the catwalk. Now I dread running into someone I know," she told People at the time. "I can't live like this anymore, in hiding and shame. I just couldn't live in this pain any longer. I'm willing to finally speak."

She looked gorgeous in white – and we were glad to see her walking the carpet.

Angel Reese, more sports stars walk the Met Gala red carpet

We come to expect Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union on the red carpet for fashion events. And Serena Williams is also a red carpet icon at the Met Gala. But this year, we were treated to even more sports stars, including Angel Reese, who just joined the Chicago Sky.

More: Angel Reese, Lewis Hamilton, Serena Williams among sports stars at 2024 Met Gala

Is Katy Perry at Met Gala? AI images confuse fans

There have been a few images of Katy Perry on the 2024 Met Gala carpet posted on X, but no images of the pop star have appeared in photo agencies or Vogue to confirm that she is present.

One AI image that has duped fans (me included) shows Perry wearing a gold corset with a large key over a garden skirt.

Another AI-generated photo shows the "American Idol" judge in a white ballgown with the hem covered in moss and flowers.

Perry has been known to push the envelope — for better or worse — at past Met Gala's, but in this case, we don't know if she'll be attending IRL.

Emma Chamberlain channels inner swamp princess

Emma Chamberlain, the YouTube vlogger-turned-fashionista and businesswoman, returned to the steps of New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art for fashion's biggest night donning a custom dark brown lace Jean Paul Gaultier gown with a goth vibe that gave a self-described "dark twist" to the event's dress code.

Her look – an interpretation of this year's exhibition theme, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," and the dress code of "The Garden of Time" – evoked an overgrown garden.

"This is sort of a fantasy, enchanted-like theme. It’s fun to do a dark twist on it — the underbelly of nature," the influencer told Vogue. She also dubbed the vibe her "swampy mode.”

Who gets invited to the Met Gala?

Zendaya, Rihanna, Jared Leto and Colman Domingo have been amongst the recent Met Gala showstoppers. Influencers like Emma Chamberlain and Wisdom Kaye have also been added to the list.

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour takes in suggestions for the big night, but ultimately, she has the final say of the guest list.

All the looks on the 2024 Met Gala Red carpet fashion from Kim Kardashian to Zendaya

Colman Domingo pays homage to André Leon Talley, Chadwick Boseman

Colman Domingo is looking as fashionable as ever at the 2024 Met Gala.

The "Euphoria" star, 54, stepped out on the red carpet looking dapper in a white and black suit designed by Willy Chavarria. His look was complete with a flowing cape, which Domingo said was a nod to the late André Leon Talley, who served as editor-at-large of Vogue magazine.

Keeping with the Met Gala's dress code of "The Garden of Time," the actor also strutted the red carpet with a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Mindy Kaling blooms in draping gown

Mindy Kaling perfectly complemented her figure in a blush Gaurav Gupta dress with structured accents to resemble flower pedals. The flowing gown matched the theme without getting too literal.

The actress and producer said her gown is called "The Melting Flower of Time."

Sarah Jessica Parker channels Carrie Bradshaw

Sarah Jessica Parker drew interest from her "And Just Like That" series with a structural dress from Richard Quinn. This year marked Parker's 12^th Met Gala appearance.

The hat and the bejeweled stockings felt derivative of Carrie Bradshaw, yet the look read dated somehow. More church lady than "Sex and the City."

Protestors near Gala steps

Protesters in support of Palestinians amid Israel's war in Gaza made their voices heard outside of the Met Gala.

Students from Hunter College, roughly a mile from the Met Gala, marched with signs calling for their university to "divest" funding. "We will not stop, we will not rest," the students chanted, per videos shared by reporter Katie Smith on X.

In another video they chanted, "There is only one solution."

Ashley Graham sparkles in crystals

Ashley Graham sparkled on the red carpet.

That’s because her dress was covered in shine. She told E! that it took more than 500 hours to make by designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin.

The black corset dress created a tiny waist, and the crystals were magnificent in photos.

Tyla comes out of the water covered in sand

From one South African to another, it was a proud moment seeing Tyla make her Met Gala debut after a huge year in music. The "Water" singer wore a nude Balmain dress covered in sand to represent "the sands of time," she told Vogue livestream host LaLa Anthony.

We particularly loved the moment she reached the top of the stairs and was picked up and carried.

What is a co-chair?

Met Gala co-chair's were among the first stars to arrive to the carpet, but what exactly do they do? In short, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Hemsworth and Bad Bunny are representatives and responsible for pulling in a variety of audiences to fashion's biggest night.

Most of their job happens before the event and of course, we expect a lot from them in terms of fashion.

Yes, Chef. Ayo Edebiri of 'The Bear' impresses

Ayo Edebiri was definitely the fashion darling of the awards season. And she didn't disappoint at the Met. She looked like pure spring in Loewe. And her makeup was amazing.

"It’s all these 3D lace flowers, all hand stitched," she told LaLa Anthony. "I think feeling really easy and at the same time very intentional."

We loved seeing her win so many trophies, but just as much, we loved her fashion looks.

Edebiri has looked amazing as she has collected the top awards at the last four big award shows for her work in "The Bear." Forget the EGOT, look what Edebiri has won this season: Globes, Emmys, Critics Choice and SAGs. Could we create a new name for that? GECS?

Met Gala co-chairs Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Hemsworth and Bad Bunny impress

Met Gala royalty Zendaya embraced the "Garden of Time" dress code in a dark blue and turquoise Maison Margiela gown donned in fruit with mocking birds floating around the dress. It's a sharp contrast from her preppy "Challengers" red carpet looks and exactly the type of risk we'd expect from the actress.

Jennifer Lopez wore a figure-hugging Schiaparelli gown, Bad Bunny arrived in a daring black outfit by Maison Margiela and Chris Hemsworth donned an off-white Tom Ford suit.

Did Zendaya wear two dresses at the Met Gala?

We are completely fine with Zendaya walking the red carpet more than once, especially if she includes and outfit change. We might even put her on our best-dressed list twice!

The co-chair of the Met Gala changed into a new look, a vintage Givenchy dress – made in 1996, the year she was born, according to Vogue.

Met Gala dress code 'Garden of Time' inspired by J.G. Ballard

The dress code is "Garden of Time," inspired by J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story of the same title, per Vogue. "Think melancholic florals (as moody florals aren't moody enough)," the magazine previously stated.

Met Gala 2024 All the looks on the red carpet, from Chris Hemsworth to Anna Wintour

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour arrives in Loewe

Anna Wintour doesn't do fashionably late. The Vogue editor-in-chief arrived bright and early to the carpet wearing a white floor-length Loewe dress and black coat with red and yellow floral print.

Chris Hemsworth at the 2024 Met Gala

The "Thor" actor, who is serving as a co-chair of Monday's Met Gala, arrived at the legendary steps of the event looking sharp wearing a simple, off-white Tom Ford suit, opting against a more elaborate look. Joining Hemsworth on the red carpet was his wife, Elsa Pataky.

Guess who? Prabal Gurung teases Met Gala 2024 looks

Prabal Gurung will have a strong presence at this year's Met Gala. Ahead of carpet time, the Nepalese–American fashion designer teased some of the looks you should expect stars to be in.

"She's too cool for the summer. And really hot for the #metgala. Guess who?" the brand wrote on its Instagram Story along with a close-up of a shimmering silver dress with floral motifs. Many fans guessed Demi Lovato in the comments because of her song "Cool For the Summer."

In another teaser, the brand showed off a blush pink fabric with several layers of tulle. "Little girls will scream her name. Guess who?" Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande were the top answers.

"Mrs. Bridgerton shimmers in midnight," Prabal Gurung wrote alongside a close up of a garment with seafoam green panels and black beads over a sheer black fabric. Naturally, "Bridgerton" fans guessed the Season 3 lead Nicola Couglan.

And in the spirit of tennis fashion looks (thank you, Zendaya and Law Roach) making a statement on "The Challengers" red carpet, Prabal Gurung posted a yellow-green fabric with rosettes. "It's a serve," the brand wrote on their story. Could it be Zendaya or Serena Williams? Fans will have to wait and see.

Bad Bunny at the Met Gala

It's hard to get excited about men’s fashion at the Met Gala.

Yes, men have become more daring in their looks – and that isn't counting Jared Leto showing up as a cat.

Bad Bunny is relatively new to the Met Gala, with his first appearance in 2022. But his look didn't disappoint in a white Burberry gown with a white jacket and white cape with sculptural flowers.

First look at the Met Gala 'red' carpet

Surprise, it's not red. Following the theme of "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," it looks like spring.

What does the Met exhibit look like?

We got a sneak peek Monday morning, with Anna Kaufman walking through the "Sleeping Beauties" exhibit.

Met director and CEO Max Hollein shared the internal logic of the exhibit, which seems to be − fashion is to be felt, not just admired, and no number of years passed should preclude that original purpose. While you cannot touch the clothing on display, the museum has created clever ways to allow visitors to experience the fashion through all senses.

Drawn exclusively from the Met's permanent collection, the exhibition houses some 220 pieces dating back to the 17th century, head curator Andrew Bolton told the crowd Monday. Many of the galleries showcase a "sleeping beauty" or a dress lying flat, too delicate to even stretch around a mannequin for display.

See the exhibit The Met Gala's theme is Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. Here's what that looks like.

Met Gala attendees 2024

The list is kept secret each year, but we know the co-chairs of the event are there. Honorary chairs are Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. TikTok is the gala's sponsor this year, with support from Loewe.

We don't know if the Kardashians will all be there. But Kim Kardashian, Blake Lively and Beyoncé – as well as Rihanna are expected.

Is Taylor Swift going to the Met Gala?

All signs point to no. The singers resumes her Eras Tour in France on May 9. Even with a private jet, it seems the Grammy-winner won't be walking the carpet with Travis Kelce this year.

The 2016 Met Gala is where Swift supposedly met Joe Alwyn.

What is Jennifer Lopez going to wear?

It’s almost surprising that Jennifer Lopez has attended the Met Gala 13 times – with looks ranging from Catholic chainmail to 18^th century lacey goddess.

She told "Good Morning America" that the night isn't about comfort. "But it’s exciting, it's exciting. It’s a fun night for fashion," she said.

Most iconic Met Gala looks from last year

Our eight favorite looks from last year included Rihanna and Dua Lipa.

More: Met Gala 2023 best dressed: See Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Janelle Monáe, more stars channel Karl Lagerfeld

Why is Rihanna so important to the Met Gala?

Rihanna is known for taking big fashion risks – from her pregnancy announcement to her iconic look at the Met Gala in 2018 that had her dubbed "Pope Rihanna."

She is known as the unofficial queen of the Met Gala for nailing the themes.

Rihanna's evolving red carpet style, including her unforgettable Met Gala looks

When is the Met Gala?

The Met Gala is the first Monday in May, as is tradition. The exact date for the 2024 event is May 6.

When does the Met Gala red carpet start?

The Met Gala will be livestreamed on Vogue's website and social media channels beginning at 6 p.m. ET. The "hautest" event of the year will air live on E! starting at 6 p.m. ET.

Where is the Met Gala held?

The Met Gala is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

What happens inside the Met Gala?

The Costume Institute Benefit, commonly known as Met Gala, is a fundraiser for the museum's Costume Institute. Last year, the event hit a record and raised over $22 million, according to Vogue Business.

We almost all think of the Gala as the red carpet on the giant steps leading to the actual event, which is closed to media. The steps are where we see all the looks, who each celebrity brought as their +1 (if they were granted a +1) and who wore what.

Inside, guests can tour the exhibit, have cocktails and then sit down for dinner. There is a strict no-phones policy, so the only photos that we typically see are bathroom selfies.

Why does the Met Gala matter?

It is the best night of fashion – far exceeding any awards show or fashion week. You bring together celebrities, designers, fashion people – and art. It's a night to impress – and the looks aren't meant to be wearable, but rather tell a story on the theme of the night.

You'll see experimental fashion, gowns you cannot sit down in, wild looks and beauty. We saw Zendaya wave goodbye to her Disney roots in a Cinderella ball gown, Kim Kardashian in in Marilyn Monroe's iconic "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress and Jared Leto "feline" himself as Karl Lagerfeld's famous Birman cat Choupette.

How much does it cost to go to the Met Gala?

The Met Gala is invitation only - and Vogue Editor Anna Wintour holds the list.

Tickets are $75,000 each, according to The New York Times, and even if you buy a table for $350,000, you don't get to pick where you sit. You can't simply buy your way in. The event holds about 400 people.

What is this year's Met Gala theme?

"Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion."

The "sleeping beauties" is not inspired by Disney princess, but rather treasured garments in the museum’s collection that are so fragile that they need to be housed in special glass "coffins" rather than on mannequins, curators said. Garments will be displayed in a series of galleries organized by themes of nature.

Contributing: Anika Reed, Taijuan Moorman, Anna Kaufman, KiMi Robinson, Brendan Morrow, Edward Segarra

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Met Gala red carpet recap: Tyla wows, theme sparks floral looks galore